Measuring T1ρ Changes Related to Acidosis and Alkalosis

Hye Young Heo¹, Nader Dahdaleh¹, Daniel Thedens¹, Bradley Bolster², John Wemmie¹, Vincent Magnotta¹

The purpose of this study is to determine the ability of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to assess regional pH levels. Both phantom and mouse models were used to evaluate pH sensitive changes in T_1ρ imaging. A linear relationship was observed between T_1ρ time and pH. In the mouse model, widespread increases in T_1ρ times during CO₂ inhalation were found consistent with the expected acidosis, whereas reduced T_1ρ times during HCO₃^- injection were found to be consistent with the expected alkalosis.